PER-UK Non stop?

[dajop]

It would take 38 hours for the one plane to do a return trip, I can't see them utilizing the plane more on a Short/Medium haul route to SIN, MEL or SYD but with the scheduling & routes V Australia do now it would not surprise me.

I guess the scenario you outline doesn't preclude the option of flying some of their other 777's across to PER and back. Not sure of the traffic ex-PER but you would think to get the big $$ in the J cabin they would need to supplement ex-PER traffic with ex-SYD/MEL traffic, and that means offering a J service across the continent to connect(I know in Europe they get away with J = Y seats with a little extra legroom and and empty seat in the middle, but that ain't going to cut it across the bight against SQ/QF/EK etc who give you a good seat all the way). Maybe we will see some DJ J cabins? Who knows.

 

[JohnK]

16 hours non stop in whY:shock:

Why would anyone want to this? Are people really that desperate to save a couple of hours?

PER-SIN-LHR or even PER-DXB-LHR would only be a couple of hours extra and you have the benefit of getting off the aircraft for an hour or so.

 

[NM]

Why would anyone want to this? Are people really that desperate to save a couple of hours?

More likely to save a few dollars rather than to save a few hours.

The cost of tankering the extra fule needed may be less than the cost of ground services at the intermediate point, meaning that VA could offer cheaper fares on a non-stop flight, and people have been known to do crazy things to save a few dollars.

 

[Nigelinoz]

VS were going to do this with the 787 according to this 2007 article.
http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1117723.php?news_cat=&pagename=searchresult

SYDNEY: Virgin Atlantic is planning non-stop flights between London and Perth in Western Australia, cutting out the need for a stopover in Asia.

Virgin Atlantic will use Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner on the non-stop services, starting in 2011.

Virgin Atlantic is ordering 15 of the 787-9 Dreamliners - with options on another eight 787-9s and purchase rights on a further 20 aircraft.

The 787-9 Dreamliner burns around 27% less fuel per passenger than the A340-300, the aircraft it will replace in the Virgin Atlantic fleet.

The new aircraft will enable Virgin Atlantic to operate direct flights between Australia and the UK, with non-stop services between London and Perth. It is anticipated that the flight will take approximately 16 hours.

 

[pauly7]

As much as you care to trust Crikey but this may have all just been rumours...

V Australia looks at VVVery long range 777s, BUT ISN’T GETTING ANY JUST YET – Plane Talking

Interesting (if true) comment about them picking up more jungle jets just to block QF? Mmmmm not so sure about that one!

 

[Sethor]

When the 777-200lr was announced I was one of many westcoasters who begged QF to buy some and fly PER-LHR direct. Rather than hub in PER from the east coast, they wrote they were very happy with their arrangements in Asia (read cheaper options).
Different age I know. Hope Virgin does give it a go, and I would certainly try it.

QF most likely worked out it was more cost effective for the LHR traffic feed ex PER to go via SIN or HKG keep SIN-LHR & HKG-LHR loads up, VA does not have the need to feed traffic via SIN or HKG like QF. I would not be surprised if VA pricing on this route is below other carriers. For example QF's pricing on the Kangaroo route ex PER & SYD are about the same (PER-LHR $1881 vs SYD-LHR $1901) despite the PER-SIN-LHR route being nearly 1300nm/14% shorter than SYD-SIN-LHR, take out the SIN taxes and I see this route being economically viable dare say a profitable one.

 

[Danger]

Why would anyone want to this?

I'm with you. Why give up all those nice lounges in Asia and those extra FFP and SCs!!